Paintings and Parties

Hellooooo Museworthy!! The muse is here. You didn’t think I forgot about the blog, did you? Never! Still I apologize for the sparse postings. April is a very busy art modeling month so I’ve just been doing that, and paying taxes, and trying to attend yoga class when I can. One more hectic week coming up and then my schedule lightens up a bit and I can get back to more leisurely things like writing, gardening, and reading.

I’ve spent a good amount of time lately at the New York Academy of Art, the city’s foremost graduate school and MFA program. Last month I had the pleasure of modeling for a two-day Master Class taught by Steven Assael, during which he carried out one of his renowned painting demos. As I sat for the portrait, I observed as the students were quietly transfixed on Steven’s work. Not surprising, of course, as he is one of the most highly esteemed representational artists of his generation. And a really nice guy too. Great working with him.

In addition to master classes, thesis critiques, special lectures, and student open studio nights, the Academy was also gearing up for the Tribeca Ball, the school’s annual fundraiser where art world insiders, celebrities, and other glitterati come to mingle and get their pictures taken. I did not attend the Tribeca Ball (I’m not a glitterati!) but I did take pictures of the gallery while it was being prepared for the big night. This year’s theme was “Poetic Astronomy”, and the decor had an appropriately celestial feeling.

From the Academy’s Instagram page, some photos of the models who worked that night and the artists sketching:

I did attend a party that was less glamorous but just as much fun. A birthday party for my sister-in-law Gayle, just two weeks after she had hip replacement surgery! If you can imagine a 59 year old woman in a black evening dress playing hostess while limping around with a cane, that’s Gayle 🙂 Here’s a photo of me at the party with Gayle’s daughter, my lovely and hilarious niece Olivia.

6 thoughts on “Paintings and Parties”

Glad to hear that you’ve been having such a busy time working and enjoying a birthday party! The spring blossom is finally out here after a cold late winter and I expect it is in New York too, as it was when we were over there eight years ago! Hope work continues to be rewarding and with as much as you want in the run-up months to summer. Take care Jennifer xx

Yes we had an extended winter too, which screwed things up for gardening and planting! But the April rains are doing their thing.
My busy work has knocked me out quite a bit, but it’s always rewarding like you said.

I’ve been a fan of Steven Assael for years — there are a couple of good documentary clips on him on YouTube if you’re interested. The two of you must have been a great combination.

I hope that your sister-in-law is feeling better. I guess that you could say that she was “raising cane” at her party — well, actually, that sounds more like something I’d say 🙂 Hope you have an allergy-free Spring!